After the July 4th weekend, the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee will determine whether or not it will allocate $100 million in federal funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, outreach and caregiver supports to begin the implementation of the National Alzheimer’s Plan Act (NAPA) in the 2014 budget. We are fortunate to have both our U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk on that Committee and we need your help to get their support.

Government investment in medical research is a critical step in building a foundation for disease treatments and a cure. For every $27,000 the federal government spends on care for those with Alzheimer’s disease, it only spends $100 on research.

A total of 736 Illinois residents from 64 counties recently participated in an online survey for the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Plan, and the results are eye-opening.

The findings, which will be shared with the Illinois Department of Public Health, state that fewer than half of all survey respondents were familiar with programs and services offered by the state for those with Alzheimer’s and their families and an overwhelming 85% felt the state should spend more money funding programs that provide Alzheimer’s care.

These results are critical as they will guide recommendations put forth by the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee. Comprised of Alzheimer’s experts, researchers, physicians and others, the committee is responsible for advising legislators and state agencies on Illinois’ response to the growing health crisis of Alzheimer’s disease.

It's that time of year again, and the Alzheimer’s Association®, Greater Illinois Chapter is currently recruiting volunteers for various job roles at 17 Walk to End Alzheimer's events throughout our 68-county service area.

As the nation's largest Alzheimer’s event approaches, we would not be successful without the help of our amazing volunteers who help us move our mission forward.

Our volunteers help with many different aspects of the walk, from event day set-up to informing participants about the Alzheimer’s Association advocacy efforts to guiding walkers along the designated route.

It was winter of 2011 when Carol Mayer and Leah Drew sat down over tea to talk. The two have a lot in common— both are young professionals living in Chicago — but while, to a passerby, their meeting may have looked like two friends catching up, it was, in fact, something far more serious that brought the women together.

The annual Alzheimer’s Association® International Conference will take place July 13 through July 18 in Boston.

The conference is the world's premier forum for the reporting and discussion of groundbreaking research and information on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. As a part of the Association's research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about Alzheimer's and fostering a vital, collegial research community.

Researchers come from all over the world to listen, discuss and present findings. Scott Counts, PhD, with Rush University Medical Center in Chicago will speak on the ability of IVIG to reduce tau pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association® Greater Illinois Chapter is excited to announce it has added new programs for those who wish to learn more about Alzheimer’s and caregiving, among other topics.

All of the following programs, with the exception of one, are an hour and a halfand include time for questions and answers. Legal and Financial Planning is two and a half hours and also includes time for questions.

Blondes and Brunettes faced off in a flag football match to benefit the Alzheimer's Association® Greater Illinois Chapter June 22 at the North Avenue Turf Fields in Chicago. Over 40 players competed as more than 150 spectators watched the Brunettes take the trophy in a close game of 13-12. An after-party took place at The Fireplace Inn.

A big thank you to all who participated and helped raise nearly $20,000 in funds!